A judge said he hoped a biker who was clocked at speeds approaching 100mph on the A47 had not “written off” his chance of joining the armed forces by being convicted of dangerous driving.

James Ireland, 22, was followed by a police motorcycle officer after he was seen near North Burlingham, but refused to stop when asked to pull over and instead drove off at speed, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Chris Youell, prosecuting, said Ireland had turned off at the roundabout at Acle and had continued to drive at speed along the A1064 towards Hemsby, overtaking cars on a narrow stretch of road despite oncoming vehicles.

Mr Youell said in the end the officer, who had activated his blue flashing lights to warn other road users, was forced to call off the pursuit.

He said Ireland was later arrested and admitted that he had panicked when asked to stop by the police officer.

He said that he had been to Norwich and decided to go home the “fun way.”

Ireland of Century Road, Great Yarmouth, admitted dangerous driving on August 4, last year, and having no insurance and not having a full licence.

Andrew Oliver, for Ireland, said he had put his ambition to join the Army on hold until the outcome of the case: ”His desire is still to go into the Armed Services. His preferred choice is the Marines.”

He said Ireland made a bad decision to take out his motorcycle and had made things worse by panicking and driving off: “He accepts he put other road users at risk.”

Mr Oliver said that Ireland had sold the bike two days after being stopped.

Recorder Douglas Herbert banned Ireland for 18 months and imposed a 12 month community order with 120 hours unpaid work.

He told him: “You have very nearly, by your actions on August 4 last year, written off your chance you had of joining the Armed Services.”

He said he had read the excellent references about Ireland and accepted it was not the worst case of dangerous driving and added: “I sincerely hope that this does not harm your prospects to join the army.”